Elements of Democracy: 25 flashcards
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1. What is the definition of democracy?
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A form of government in which rulers are elected by the people through free and fair elections.
2. What does popular sovereignty mean?
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The people are the ultimate source of political authority; government rests on the consent of the governed.
3. Why is majority rule paired with minority rights?
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Because a majority cannot vote away the rights of others; constitutions and courts protect minorities from majority tyranny.
4. List the conditions that make elections free and fair.
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Universal adult suffrage, secret ballot, genuine choices, an independent election commission, and peaceful transfer of power.
5. What does political equality mean?
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One person, one vote, one value — every citizen's vote and right to contest carries equal weight.
6. What is the rule of law?
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The same laws apply to rulers and ruled alike; no one is above the law.
7. Why is an independent judiciary essential in a democracy?
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It enforces the rule of law and can strike down illegal government action, protecting rights.
8. What is transparency in government?
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Citizens can see government decisions, budgets, and spending — supported by a free press and right-to-information laws.
9. What does accountability mean for officials?
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Officials must answer for their actions and can be removed or punished for misuse of power.
10. What are fundamental rights in a democracy?
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Freedoms of speech, assembly, religion, movement, and equality written into the constitution and enforceable in courts.
11. Give examples of citizen participation beyond voting.
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Joining parties, attending public meetings, protesting peacefully, writing to representatives, running for local office, volunteering in civic bodies.
12. What is electoral authoritarianism?
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When elections occur but other elements of democracy — free press, independent courts, genuine opposition — are suppressed.
13. Why are elections necessary but not sufficient for democracy?
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Because regimes can hold regular votes while suppressing the press, jailing opponents, and ignoring courts.
14. How do the elements of democracy function as a chain?
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Weakening one element weakens the rest; they are interlocking pillars, not optional add-ons.
15. What distinguishes democracy from oligarchy and plutocracy?
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Political equality — in democracy every citizen's vote counts equally, unlike rule by a few or by the wealthy.
16. What is the role of an independent election commission?
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It runs and audits elections neutrally, ensuring credibility and fairness.
17. Why is peaceful transfer of power a hallmark of democracy?
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It shows that losers hand over office without violence, confirming that authority truly rests with the voters.
18. What happens when participation is low?
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Organised minorities can capture policy, and representatives become less responsive to the public.
19. How does transparency create a feedback loop with accountability?
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The public learns what government is doing, and the government knows it will be judged — keeping officials honest between elections.
20. Why are fundamental rights described as limits on government?
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They protect the space in which citizens can criticise, organise, and vote meaningfully — they are not gifts from the government.
21. What is the single most misunderstood element of democracy?
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Majority rule with minority rights — many think majority rule alone is democracy.
22. How does understanding the elements of democracy help citizens?
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It gives them a yardstick to judge their government — are elections free, minorities protected, judiciary independent, information accessible?
23. What does 'consent of the governed' mean?
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Government authority is legitimate only when the people agree to be governed — the basis of popular sovereignty.
24. Why does democracy erode gradually?
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Individual elements are weakened one by one — press freedom, judicial independence, minority rights — often before anyone notices.
25. What is the relationship between popular sovereignty and elections?
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Elections are the mechanism through which popular sovereignty becomes operational — they convert the people's authority into a government.
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